The Minimalists – Details, episodes & analysis

The Minimalists speak with Harvard professor Arthur Brooks, author of Build the Life You Want, about the art and science of happiness.

Discussed in this episode: 

How do I deal with the intense dissatisfaction I feel when I struggle to let go? (1:50)

What role does worry play in our unhappiness? (17:12)

What are the three main ingredients in happiness? (19:42)

How do our reactions shape our happiness? (32:40)

How does the weather affect our happiness? (36:17)

What’s preventing you from being happy right now? (39:00)

Listener tip: Would I repurchase this thing? (44:43)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists discuss the new “Underconsumption Core” trend that set the Internet ablaze.

Discussed in this episode:

Why do I feel compelled to buy new clothes even though I already have enough? (2:18)

What’s the last thing you didn’t buy? (22:58)

Listener tip: What to do with old awards, trophies, and sentimental items. (38:50)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

The Minimalists discuss minimalist trade-offs, non-objects, pleasures that can’t be purchased, and more.

Discussed in this episode:

How do you decide between two things when you have the money for only one? (1:48)

What is your favorite pleasure that money can’t buy? (20:06)

Listener tip: The Imagination Library. (38:16)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Ryan Nicodemus returns and the trio talks about what makes them angry. Listen to all three hours of episode 357 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

Is anger most commonly triggered by fear and sadness? (01:30)

What is your perspective regarding acceptance? (04:46)

How do I tactfully address a significant difference in our decor preferences with my partner? (15:41)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists are joined by musician and YouTuber Ruslan to talk about judgment as emotional clutter. Watch all three hours of episode 356 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do we help our children control their emotions? (01:51)
 
How do we best manage the judgment of loved ones? (16:23)
 
Where do Ruslan and The Minimalists disagree on judgment? (17:39)
 
What is the difference between description and prescription? (19:01)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists are joined by Joshua’s wife, Becca Shern, host of How to Love, to talk about unconventional relationships and parenting. Listen to all three hours of episode 355 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I discuss creating appropriate boundaries with our children with my spouse and grandparents? (01:40)

How do we incorporate specificity to better manage difficult conversations? (09:15)

How do we treat children equitably within a family? (10:28)

What is the best method for creating solutions? (15:19)

How do we help children realize the benefits of minimalism? (17:53)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists are joined by philosopher Peter Rollins to talk about misery, trauma, and letting go of souvenirs. Listen to all three hours of episode 354 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

What drives The Minimalists to help others? (01:41)

What inspires Peter Rollins to create? (05:57)

Why is work meaningful to us? (07:14)

How do we let go of the guilt of a poorly chosen present? (10:33)

What is your perspective regarding gifts? (13:40)

What do you consider magical about live events? (25:13)

What is a temporary autonomous zone? (27:58)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists are joined by comedian Jamie Kilstein to talk about quitting minimalism, saying “no” to birthday gifts, and more. Listen to all three hours of episode 353 on The Minimalists Private Podcast: patreon.com/theminimalists

Discussed in this episode:

What is your perspective regarding people quitting minimalism? (01:50)

Why do we often blame our problems on everything but ourselves? (05:53)

What is “new-convert syndrome”? (10:31)

How do we tactfully refuse gifts? (12:33)

What are T.K.’s three options regarding gifts? (16:02)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists are joined by musician Matt Nathanson to talk about the problem with expectations and assumptions. Watch all three hours of episode 352 on The Minimalists Private Podcast: patreon.com/theminimalists

Discussed in this episode:

How do I lower or eliminate expectations? (01:44)

What is the distinction between an expectation and an assumption? (10:26)

What do you consider your most meaningful accomplishment? (12:22)

What can attendees of the Sunday Symposium event expect? (24:46)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists are joined by their new cohost, T.K. Coleman, to talk about dead things, dead relationships, and more. Listen to all three hours of episode 351 on The Minimalists Private Podcast: patreon.com/theminimalists

Discussed in this episode:

Why did T.K. Coleman join The Minimalists Podcast as the new cohost? (00:19)

Are we obligated to always attend the funerals of loved ones? (03:43)

How do I accept my mother dating after the death of my father? (15:46)

What is “chronological snobbery”? (24:06)

Why did you create the Sunday Symposium event? (30:54)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support